I can't believe it's May.
Sun and rain here in Ethiopia have been mixed and transition feels around the corner.
One thing I love about a season shift is a clothing change.
In USA now... that means goodbye to the winter clothes and hello to summer clothes.
Boots and knit hats and thick coats are stored. Sandals, t-shirts, and shorts come out.
Here in Ethiopia, it's the opposite...
Now sandals are stored, and closed shoes are put on. Jackets and scarves are on or are in your bag.
When rains come here, they can drench you to the core unexpectedly. And with just a few degrees of a temperature shift down ... it feels like snow could fall. Sometimes it rains ice... which again, is shocking.
But the season change is not here yet. It's on the verge.
Days start sunny and hot and end cloudy with pouring rain.
That "in between" time can be so hard.
In life, that is also true. There are times when seasons are about to shift, but haven't yet.
It seems like the world is on the verge of a season shift. Not just in weather. but with Covid (at least in some places).
We want it to be time to shift. For masks to come off. For things to open more fully and freely.
But, it's not time yet. Almost...
What do you do when a season hasn't shifted? When you have one foot in the door and one foot out of the door? Do you move or stay? Do you fully shift or stay in the middle or keep inside?
NOT EASY.
We don't like change. And other times, we want it more than anything.
So what do you do? The shift could change your life forever.
It could be with a relationship or with work. Do you commit or break up? Do you start, finish or quit? Do you stay or leave? Do you stay a little longer? Hard calls.
Looking back at my life ... there have been a million of those season shift times. When God was up to something and I was ready and willing to jump or change... but I was waiting for His call, His direction, His timing.
Even now, I feel God is changing things up in my life and I'm holding my breath almost, which is hard because I'm already not breathing fully in and out because my mask is on.
But what do I do? Which way is God's way? Is the time now to make change?
God has been encouraging me to remember times before.
What did God do in those season shift moments of my past?
I remember two key things .. when God moved mountains...
1. When I humbled myself and said not my will, but yours be done, God.
2. When I moved right when He directed and did exactly what He told me to do, even if it didn't make sense.
Those were epic moments.
I want that timing and leadership to happen again and again and again. If change is needed and wanted by Him... for me to follow faithfully and courageously, without fear.
God is able to lead us perfectly. He might not show us the entire way ahead, but He can lead us step by step.
We don't have to fear or be impatient at season shifting times. We can actually be excited! God's timing and way is perfect. We just have to put our lives in His hands and trust Him.
I think as you get older you realize all the more ... you don't have time to go down wrong roads. You'd rather avoid the falls, the missed chances. I want to be wise and to be effective, maximizing my days for God.
So, let it be again God! That is my prayer. Whatever you're shifting ahead for my life, bring it!
As seasons shift, put me where you need me!
Lead me, us, as you will God! We will take the cloud by day, the fire by night. We'll follow the still small voice or the donkey that speaks something. (I really do think by the way God will have a donkey here in Ethiopia say something to me at some point. Because that would be hilarious and God has a sense of humor... ). However you want to lead me God or speak ... let me clearly discern your way and hear your voice and move at your direction. That is my prayer for whatever is ahead!
Are you in a shifting season? Are you needing, wanting, to make a move but you're not sure if the time is now or the way is right?
If so, be encouraged, with me, by these verses...
The Lord will guide you always, He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land. And He will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11)
In their hearts, humans plan their course, but it is God who establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8)
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37: 23-24)
You will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way to go (Isaiah 30:21)
I am always with you. You hold me by your right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73: 23-27)
God make us brave for you! Help us to hold onto you as seasons shift. Give us courage to wait until you tell us to move. And help us to jump with courage when you say to! May we follow you faithfully and may you be honored by the race we run towards home with you!
Amen!
Praises / Prayer Requests
-Ethiopia celebrated Easter (Fasika) this past weekend. As always, remembering Jesus and the sacrifice He gave - is a chance for hope and joy to be refocused on. I'm so thankful for our Savior and King, Jesus, who give us new life and new hope!
-Please keep me in prayer as I pray on some shifting things here in Ethiopia. May God help me follow Him so He can maximize my life and place me where He can best use me.
-Please pray for many who are sick with Covid here and those who have experienced loss. Cases are up and facilities, supplies, etc. are lacking. Pray for good health and protection.
-Please pray for Hope University students as they begin a new semester soon. Some of my best students will be finishing their education. Not easy to finish with all that has happened with Covid this past year... please help them God!
-Please pray for Ethiopia ... for the election coming up in June- that those will be peaceful. The country has been very unstable, especially outside of our capital city.
-Please pray for me as consider traveling in the time ahead and that God will work out the details.
And a big Happy Mothers Day to the amazing ROSIE GARRETT, my Mom, this coming Sunday, Mother's Day, May 9. I'm so thankful God blessed our family with the perfect Mom for us. She's classy, brave, She prays, she loves, she takes care of us all and models a Proverbs 31 woman. We love her so much, globally!
Happy Mothers Day Mom! We will be celebrating you here! You are sooooo loved and appreciated!
Thank you for your prayers!
Please let me know how I can pray for you as seasons shift ahead.
May God be with us all!
